Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating wastewater containing nitrogen compounds is disclosed. The process includes passing the wastewater to be treated through a biologically active material in one direction to treat the wastewater and passing the treated wastewater through the biologically active material in a second direction to further treat the wastewater under alternating aerobic and anoxic conditions, converting nitrogen compounds to nitrates and nitrites, and converting nitrates and nitrites to gaseous nitrogen.

Abstract: A modular construction member for the construction of decking, flooring, roofing, and the like, including a matable connector formed integrally with the construction member for connecting successive deck members to form a deck assembly. The modular construction member includes a gutter portion and a groove portion, which may be inter-connected to provide a substantially water-proof structure. A separate fastener may be passed through the gutter portion, the groove portion, and into a subfloor to further secure the structure and to withstand upward forces from, for example, wave action in a marine environment.

Abstract: An adjustable-width panel assembly for the construction of fences, walls, and other structures incorporating panels, which minimizes the need for separate fasteners to inter-connect successive panel members.

Abstract: A pallet which includes a series of stackable feet orientated in relation to a platform. The platform is formed from at least two sheets of a fluted plastics material. The sheets of plastics material flutes are orientated so that the longitudinal axes of the flutes are at right angles to each other. The sheets of plastics material are joined together by any suitable means such as an adhesive or by the side edges of the sheets being welded together.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a body passageway, includes a catheter having first and second inflatable portions, a prosthesis having first and second ends, and a first securing member associated with the first end of the prosthesis and disposed on the second inflatable portion of the catheter. A method of assembling the apparatus for repairing a body passageway, a method of repairing a body passageway, and a method for implanting a prosthesis are also described.

Abstract: A support structure for use with at least two wells, and a method for providing and supporting at least two wells in the ground beneath a body of water, includes a caisson, a plurality of conductors, and a guide frame, which support at least two wells without the use of any piles or brace members, the at least two wells being supported solely by the conductors, the caisson, and the guide frame.

Abstract: A plastic, heavy duty bag having an easy opening pouring spout, and a method and apparatus for forming a plastic, heavy duty bag having an easy opening pouring spout are disclosed. The bag includes a radially disposed perforation in the upper corner of the bag. Above a heat sealing strip, a slit is formed in the portion of the bag extending above the heat sealing strip, to aid in tearing through the heat seal strip to gain access to the perforation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing air from a tube to improve the impregnation of the tube with a curable resin or other viscous fluid used in cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation. Also, a perforated needle for use in vacuum impregnation and a method of evacuating air from a flexible tube, particularly a lining tube used for rehabilitation of underground conduits.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cooling asphalt, which includes a cooling zone, such as a cooling chamber through which coolants such as air and water are blown or drawn, and an elongated conveyor for transporting asphalt molds through said cooling zone after said asphalt molds have been lined with plastic and filled with hot asphalt.

Abstract: An improved method of rehabilitating a conduit which is in a damaged or deteriorated state. A lining hose, having a resin absorbing inner layer which is soaked with an excess volume of resin, is expanded and shaped to conformingly line a conduit by inverting a calibration hose under fluid pressure inside the lining hose. The calibration hose is comprised of a resin-absorbent layer and an impermeable layer that outwardly adjoins and surrounds the resin-absorbent layer. After inversion, the resin absorbent layer of the calibration hose contacts and adheres to the resin impregnated inner layer of the lining hose and is impregnated in situ with a portion of the excess volume of resin from the lining hose. Upon curing, the calibration hose becomes an integral part of the liner.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a food product from a waste slurry of water and solid organic material from a cooking process and/or food treatment facility utilizes an evaporator to evaporate water out of the waste slurry to produce a food product and pure water. A portion of the slurry is recirculated through the evaporator.

Abstract: A method of lining a pipe conduit to provide superior corrosion resistance. A flexible lining hose, having a resin absorbent layer which has been introduced with a volume of high strength resin, is first positioned inside of the conduit. The lining hose is then expanded into contact with the inner diameter of the conduit by inverting a calibration hose. The calibration hose has an impermeable membrane and a layer of resin absorbent material that has been introduced with a volume of corrosion resistant resin. The calibration hose is inverted by use of fluid pressure inside the lining hose, the fluid pressure being exerted against the impermeable membrane of the calibration hose. The resin layers are then cured by the application of a heated fluid until the lining hose and the calibration hose form a unitary rigid self supporting liner.

Abstract: A plastic, heavy duty bag having an easy opening pouring spout, and a method and apparatus for forming a plastic, heavy duty bag having an easy opening pouring spout are disclosed. The bag includes a radially disposed perforation in the upper corner of the bag. Above a heat sealing strip, a slit is formed in the portion of the bag extending above the heat sealing strip, to aid in tearing through the heat seal strip to gain access to the perforation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of drilling an oil or gas well, comprising drilling a wellbore into an underground formation in which a drill bit at the lower end of a drill pipe is placed at the bottom of the wellbore; pumping a first drilling fluid into the wellbore; determining the producing zone of the underground formation; and introducing a second drilling fluid into the wellbore through the drill pipe when the borehole is within the producing zone of the underground formation, wherein the second drilling fluid is a high density drill-in fluid, having a composition different from that of the first drilling fluid and including a brine system with at least one dissolved monovalent salt and at least one dissolved divalent salt together with a suspension polymer, said drilling fluid having a density of at least about 1.50 g/cm.sup.3 and a plastic viscosity of less than about 50 lbs/100 ft.sup.2.